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TAG's Message - Resiliency of the modern MinutemanA word from the Chief: Cause and effectBuilding friendships one toy at a timeWing maintains the BridgeOn the border of BaghdadCST, Marines combine forcesArmy aviator soars to new heightsCeremony breaks new groundSoldiers welcomed homeFRG's absorb Troop surge impactGovernor visits ChalleNGe programSuper Bowl Sunday with the GovernorYour Chaplains: dedicated to youNews Guard Families Can UsePhoto CompetitionShort RoundsNew Jersey National Guard Enlisted PromotionsLast Round: Hi Mom, welcome home

Guardlifetook first place in the Magazine Format

category in theNational Guard Bureau

2006 Air Force Media Contest

Photo by Master Sgt. Joseph Iacovone Jr.,177FW/SF

G u a r d l i f e 3

Guardlife StaffEditors

Lt. Col. James GarciaCapt. Jonathan Lapidow

Capt. Yvonne MaysCapt. Jon Powers2nd Lt. April Kelly

Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven

Assistant Editor-Production

Tech. Sgt. Mark C. Olsen

Staff Writers/Photographers

Sgt. 1st Class Robert StephensonStaff Sgt. Barbara Harbison

444MPAD, NJARNG

Guardlife is published bi-monthly using federalfunds under provisions of AR 360-1 and AFI 35-101 by the Public Affairs Office of the NewJersey Department of Military and VeteransAffairs for all members of the New Jersey Armyand Air National Guard. The views and opinionsexpressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Department of Defense, the Army, the AirForce or the National Guard Bureau. Letters maybe sent to: Guardlife, Public Affairs Office, P.O.Box 340, NJDMAVA, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0340.E-mail at: pao@njdmava.state.nj.us

Cover: New FriendsSenior Airman Tara Cullen, a member of the177th Security Forces deployed to KirkukRegional Air Base, Iraq, gives a toy to a childduring a recent patrol along the base perimeter.The items given out were donated by friendsand family members from back home. Turn topage 6 for the story and more photos. Photo byMaster Sgt. Joseph Iacovone Jr., 177FW/SF.

Inside Cover: Ghost WarthogsKC-135E Stratotankers from the 108th AirRefueling Wing prepare to refuel A-10 Warthogsduring their deployment to Southwest Asia. Therefuelers are part of the North East Tanker TaskForce, which is part of the airbridge that supportsOperations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. For therest of the story about the 108th's involvementin the airbridge turn to page 7. Photo by Lt. Col.Edward Burke 108ARW/OPS

ormat

G u a r d l i f e 4

TAG'S MESSAGE

The resiliency of the modern MinutemanBy Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General - New Jersey

It never ceases to amaze me…theresilience of the New Jersey NationalGuard Soldier or Airman. Recently,however, I had a chance to witnessthis resilience firsthand and up close.

This past February, State CommandSgt. Maj. Jerome Jenkins and I traveled toIraq to visit our Soldiers in the 117thReconnaissance, Surveillance, Targetingand Acquisition and the 250th BrigadeSupport Battalion, deployed in theatersince March 2006. Recently extended,they were originally due to return homethis March…now they will be comingback in July or August 2007. Our visitfollowed hard on the heels of this news, sowe didn’t know what kind of a reception toexpect.

As we met and spoke with our Soldiers, however, itbecame apparent that, while very disappointed, these menand women were not deterred. This is a exemplary model of“can do” attitude. One thing kept popping into my head: wheredo we get these dedicated and loyal Citizen-Soldiers?

It seems like there aren’t many folks around these daysthat would accept a 125-day extension in Iraq – tacked ontoa 12-month boots-on-ground deployment – with as much calmand resolve.

Having seen and spoken to our Soldiers in Iraq and feelingconfident that they will complete the work that they’ve beenasked to do, I turn to the subjects of those left behind, thefamily members and friends; and our returning Guardsmen.As long as we continue to have deployed Soldiers and Airmen,I will continue to push three points: training to deploy, support

families of deployed members and, when the time comes,welcome home all returning military in a manner fitting of theirservice and sacrifice.

These last two points aren’t tasks for just our FamilyReadiness Groups, Family Assistance Coordinators or theState Family Readiness Council, but for all members of theNJNG family.

I have never had any doubt that the New Jersey NationalGuard, as a force provider, would adapt to any changes inDepartment of Defense policies regarding deploymenttimetables or schedules. Still, I was glad to see recentimprovements to the deployment policy for Guard and Reserveforces which include using whole units versus cutting up andcrossing state lines to create task forces. This will ensureunits that train together, deploy together. The recent changes

look toward 12 months maximummobilization time, with approximately 10months boots-on-ground; one yearmobilized to five years demobilized ratio;and extra money for those servicemembers deployed earlier…or extended.

By the way, New Jersey units willnot be among the six National Guardunits remobilized sooner than originallyscheduled.

Let me finish by saying that I couldnot be more proud of Captains Tran andWelsh and the Soldiers of the 117thRSTA and 250th BSB. Our troops aredoing an excellent job and I know they willcontinue to do so keeping in the Guard’s370-year tradition of serving state andnation.

G u a r d l i f e 5

A WORD FROM THE CHIEF

Cause and effect: how you make the differenceBy Command Chief Master Sgt. Herbert E. Mimler Jr., 177FW

Just as with the people whomentored me, I hope that dur-ing my career, I have guidedpeople in a positive way andhelped to influence them tomake the right decisions forthemselves and the Guard.

As I approach the end of mycareer in the NJANG, I havebeen reviewing all of the eventsduring my tenure in the 177thFighter Wing and as this unit’sCommand Chief. Like manypeople, I have always set goalsand tried to look down the paththat was before me to deter-mine where I would like to be inthe future. I have always en-joyed working to achieve thesegoals.

The Air National Guard hasprovided me with many great op-portunities. The education, traveland training and all of the associ-ated experiences have been a largepart of my life, and also of myfamily’s life. I thank all of my pastsupervisors and commanders forall of the investments they made inme, and in so doing, they made all of my experiences positiveand pleasurable ones.

One story, that will always remain with me comes tomind. It dates back to my entrance into the Air NationalGuard. As part of a special requirement, for me to enlist, I hadto obtain seven letters of recommendation. I began theprocess of collecting these recommendations from all of theprominent people I knew at the time.After obtaining the required seven let-ters, I submitted them to the unit andobviously, they proved to be acceptable.

Fast forward 35 years and I foundmyself at the Fort Dix/McGuire Air ForceBase - Base Exchange/Post Exchangeand was in line at the check out, inuniform. It had been a long road fromentry into the Air National Guard as anairman basic and I now stood in line asa wing Command Chief. I looked at theperson ahead of me in line and we both made eye contact atthe same time. We recognized each other at the same time.Here in front of me was one of the men who wrote one of therecommendation letters so many years before when I enlistedin the ANG. I should mention that he was not the type ofperson who would normally be willing to write a letter for aperson to join another service, but he wrote the letter for me

anyway. The gentleman in ques-tion, being a retired Navy officer,tried to enlist me in the Navy, whenI was asking him for the letter forthe Air Guard. With wonderment,he looked at my uniform and wassurprised that I was still serving. At that point, he had been retiredfrom the Navy for about fifteenyears. After we got through thecheck out line, we went outside totalk and he asked me about mycareer. I briefly described my ca-reer and what I was currently in-volved with. He was impressedwith what I had accomplished,while also realizing that many yearshad passed. At the end of theconversation, I shook his hand andthanked him for writing the originalletter of recommendation. I knewon his ride home, that he was

thinking about how one small event 35 years previously hadchanged a person’s life and resulted in a positive outcome.

Just as with the people who mentored me, I hope thatduring my career, I have guided people in a positive way andhelped to influence them to make the right decisions forthemselves and the Guard. People are the most importantasset the Guard has. How people think determines how they

act and how they act is a key factor inhow others will react to them. You maynever know the impact your actions andwords have on others during the courseof your career, but at the end of the day,when you look back at how you con-ducted yourself, you will realize that youhave accomplished something veryworthwhile. Knowing you did the verybest you could do, you will then have therealization that you have completed yourmission successfully.

As I turn over the mantle of this position to my successor,I hope that you will provide him with the same level of feedbackand support that you have provided to me. My best wishes toyou all for continued success in your military careers andwhatever endeavors you may become involved with in thefuture. My sincerest thanks to you all, and may God BlessAmerica.

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The perimeter of Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, is not abarren stretch of land, far from it.

“A lot of children live and play on the lands along our baseperimeter,” says Master Sgt. Joseph Iacovone Jr., TeamLeader, Quick Reaction Force (QRF). “Some of the fields areused by their families for sheep and cattle. It is these kids wenormally have direct contact with and are able to provide wateror candy to on a routine basis during our patrols.”

According to the members of the 177th Security Forcescurrently deployed to Kirkuk, one of the perks of being onperimeter patrol is the opportunity to interact with Iraqis.

This is aided in part by the donation of school supplies,clothes and toys sent to them from friends and family backhome. Some of these gifts are turned over to the basechaplain to support a program called Operation Outreach. Thechaplain collects the school supplies that are sent to individualsand squadrons and turns them over to U.S. Army or Coalitionforces for dissemination to the local schools.

Yet not everything that is sent over is school supplies.There are also toys, sometimes lots of them. For a lot of Iraqifamilies, toys are not something they can afford to buy. Yettoys transcend borders and cultures; they also help promotegoodwill toward the Airmen and Soldiers deployed in Iraq.

“Every now and then our teams will hand out some of thetoys or clothing that people from back home sent to us forthem,” states Iacovone.

Building friendships one toy at a timeBuilding friendships one toy at a timeBuilding friendships one toy at a timeBuilding friendships one toy at a timeBuilding friendships one toy at a time

Staff Sgt. Jack Baumdistributes water toschoolchildren during apatrol along the baseperimeter.

Cover Story

By Tech. Sgt. M

ark Olsen, 177FW

/PA; Photos by M

aster Sgt. Joseph Iacovone Jr., 177FW/SF

And when you see the photos that get e-mailed backhome, it is obvious that the toys are a hit with the kids.

It’s all about making friends — one toy at a time.

Spreading goodwill, (l-r) Staff Sgt. GabrielArmstrong, Senior Airman Tara Cullen and StaffSergeants’ Shawn Reilly and Patrick Donohoepose with children after distributing toys and hats.

WING MAINTAINSBRIDGE

The NETTF, or Bravo Alert as it iscalled, is operated by Guard memberswho have volunteered for active duty tosupport round-the-clock aerial refuelingoperations. These volunteers take turnsbeing on alert to fly refueling missionsfor aircraft supporting the Global War onTerrorism.

True to the spirit of the originalMinutemen, the aircrew and maintainersare ready for the mission within min-utes, regardless of the hour or weather.Missions have included the most chal-lenging flights that have been assignedto any of the six units comprising thetask force. These include formationrefueling over the ocean, supporting de-tainee renditions, large force exercisesand refueling special operations aircraft.One crew even saved a mission when,after completing their original mission,they met up with another aircraft whosetanker broke and were able to fuel thataircraft also. On another occasion theTTF received a request to refuel twodeploying aircraft that were desperatelyneeded in theater. Within an hour main-tenance provided the aircraft, crews vol-

unteered, and all mission planning wascompleted for clearance authorities. Thisimmediate response saved the missionas it was close to being cancelled due tolack of refueling assets.

Since being “stood up” the 108thBravo Alert operation has almost doubledin size. The wing is the only unit of thesix participating in the task force toincrease its participation. The 108thTanker Task Force operates as a self-sufficient entity with minimal impact onthe wing's daily operations.

This versatility has allowed the wingto refuel every Air Force cargo aircraft aswell as a myriad of Air Force and Navytactical aircraft. The task force de-ployed overseas for the first time lastNovember. The close of 2006 saw 30-months of continuous operations withimpressive results. Since 2004 the taskforce has been assigned more than 700refuelings and flown more than 325 mis-sions; they have logged 1,000-plus flighthours and transferred almost 17.5 mil-lion pounds of jet fuel. This is equivalentto being airborne for more than 42 daysand, for an average car, more than

A significant date for the 108th Air Refueling Wing quietly passedby last year. July 1, 2006 marked the second anniversary for the108th's involvement with the North East Tanker Task Force(NETTF), which was formed two years earlier to create an“Airbridge” across the North Atlantic to support OperationsEnduring and Iraqi Freedom.

180,000 tanks of gas.None of this would be possible with-

out the dedication and hard work of themaintainers and support troops. TheCommand Post provided non-stop com-mand, control and communications ca-pability. The maintenance crews providedouble, or when needed triple, the num-ber of aircraft they are obligated to pro-vide but also superior reliability matchingor exceeding that of the most modernAir Force aircraft. Since the beginning,the maintenance reliability rate exceeded95 percent; in 2006 that rate rose to 97percent. Only five of 153 missions thispast year were cancelled for mechanicalreasons. This accomplishment is evenmore amazing considering these air-craft are almost 50 years old.

The importance of aerial refueling,and the contribution the NETTF hasmade, is evidenced by remarks by AirForce Chief of Staff Gen. T. MichaelMoseley stating, “To be able to bridgethe Atlantic, it’s the tanker.” And whenan airlifter is refueled over the Atlantic, itis often a 108th tanker ensuring they getto where they’re needed.

Photo and story by Maj. Timothy G. Burke,Airbridge Operations Officer, 108ARW

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Smiling faces, happy people, something that seems tobe in short supply in Iraq.

All this can be seen at the Civil Military Operation Center(CMOC) on the border of Baghdad.

Twice a week, a bus veers out of the Sather Air Base 447thExpeditionary Medical Squadron (EMEDS) parking area with

On the Border of BaghdadOn the Border of BaghdadOn the Border of BaghdadOn the Border of BaghdadOn the Border of BaghdadBy Master Sgt. Patricia Hughes, 177FW/SGP

Assessing the situation: Master Sgt. Patricia Hughes (second fromright), an Air Force doctor, an Army medic and two interpretersassess an Iraqi baby with an ear infection, mom is in the back-ground. Photo courtesy Master Sgt. Patricia Hughes, 177FW/SGP.

a doctor, medical personnel and volunteers to assist thedoctors and spend time with the Iraqi children. Thesevolunteers spend most of the time with the children coloring,playing on the swings in the yard constructed by the CivilEngineering team, or engaging in a game of soccer, mostlylearning a new move or two from the children. It’s a good thing,children are children all over the world when you come downto it - they laugh, cry, are shy, warm and cute.

The Center officially opened on Sept. 20 and is locatedinside the wire at the Army Special Forces Camp in Baghdad,Iraq. Before it became the CMOC, the Radwaniyah PalaceComplex building served as the town hall. While it isoperationally under Army control, the 447th EMEDS team andvolunteers from Sather Air Base offer medical care to thecitizens of Baghdad.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Kenney L. Souders,Superintendent, 447th EMEDS, at Sather Air Base in Baghdad,the Army initially established the CMOC to assist the Iraqipeople for claims against the military and also address theirmedical needs.

When our Air Expeditionary Force first arrived in Septem-ber, we were seeing about 25-30 Iraqis a day; four months laterthe number of people visiting the Center had doubled. Subse-quently, several Iraqi translators were hired to help out. As youcan imagine the translation could get a bit confusing but thebest care was always provided.

Security is extremely tight at the Center, but patient careis non-judgmental. Some faces become more familiar thanothers because not only of the medical care given, butbecause there is always a box of goodies that deployed AirForce member’s churches, families and organizations havesent. That box is always filled with candy, clothes, schoolsupplies, hygiene items and toys. Soccer balls are a big hitwith the children.

The surroundings might be crushed in Baghdad but at theCMOC the spirits are always high.

GENERAL SECURITYStaff Sgts. Patrick Donohoe (left) and Jason Scalzi (center) servedas Air Force Chief of Staff General T. Michael Moseley's (right)security detail during his visit to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq inFebruary. Members of the 177th Fighter Wing Security Forceswere assigned to the general and Chief Master Sergeant of the AirForce Rodney J. McKinley as their special security detail. TheJersey Devils were assigned to the Quick Reaction Force, the onlymobile response team available to respond to all points on basewhen needed. Photo courtesy USAF/PA.

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Capt. Robert Jenkins and members of the 21stWeapons of Mass Destruction - Civil SupportTeam (WMD-CST), New Jersey National Guard,check for radiological contamination during Op-eration Dependable Response - a combined Guardand Marine exercise held at Warren Grove Range,N.J., on March 3. In addition to the CST contingentof 22 full-time Army and Air National Guard mem-bers, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772,based at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pa.,provided three CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters(pictured) for the exercise. Additionally, MarineReserve personnel assigned to the exercise in-cluded military police and communications equip-ment operators. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen,NJDMAVA/PA.

CST, MARINESCOMBINE FORCESCST, MARINESCOMBINE FORCES

G u a r d l i f e 9

G u a r d l i f e 10

When 15-year-old Jorge Martínez boarded a“Freedom Flight” which took him from Castro’sdictatorship in Cuba to the United States viaSpain in 1968, he did not know where he wouldeventually end up. All he did know was thatgiven a choice “to stay in hell or to leave,” thathe would take the latter, even if it meant neverseeing his family again.

Four decades later Colonel Jorge Martínez hasended up commanding the largest unit in the NewJersey National Guard, a position he has beentraining for all his life.

“Who would have thunk it,” observed Martinez,paraphrasing baseball great Yogi Berra, as he tookthe reigns of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Teamfrom Col. Frank Caruso in Lawrenceville on March 18.

That remark not only referred to his life’s journey,but the fact that an aviator was taking command of aninfantry brigade. “I will use everything I have learnedduring my career to train you and to transform youinto a capable, competent and cohesive force prepared to helpdefend the American people, our state and our nation,” hecontinued.

His career with the New Jersey Army National Guardspans 32 years and has taken him from his job as an enlistedmechanic with the Air Cavalry through Officer CandidateSchool, on to flight school where he learned his craft as a rotarywing pilot. Following flight school, Martinez returned to the 5thSquadron, 117th Cavalry, performing duties as Aero-Reconplatoon leader, executive officer and commander, from 1986 to1989. From there it was on to numerous positions withindifferent commands, where he served at various times asexecutive officer, commander and liaison officer. Subsequentassignments allowed him to serve at state, brigade andbattalion/squadron levels, leading him to remark, “Where elsedo you get the chance to be trained, to influence otherspositively and have the privilege to defend your country?”

Recent years of his duty were exemplified by such diverseassignments as commander of the 119th Corps SupportBattalion, and Aviation Branch Chief and Deputy Chief of Stafffor Aviation and Safety (G3 Air) for the Joint Forces Headquar-ters, New Jersey National Guard.

Along the way he managed to keep the flight suit associ-ated with aviators, as he piloted various aircraft, including theOH-6 Cayuse (Little Bird), the UH-1 Iroquois (Huey), the UH-60 Blackhawk and the fixed wing, U-21 Beachcraft.

Martínez avers that his success is a combination of theenvironment of mentorship from the many sergeants, warrant

MARTINEZ ASSUMES 50TH BCT COMMAND

officers and officers to whom he was exposed, and hisproactive stance towards all tasks that may come his way, athought he reiterated with the Soldiers of his new command.

“As an Air Cavalry Troop Commander, I learned to ‘ShowThem The Way’ and as a Corps Support Battalion Commander‘I Found The Way.’ Now, as your new commander, I will ‘Pavethe Way’ for the Jersey-born and Jersey-based 50th InfantryBrigade to become Jersey’s best.”

Upon reflection, Martínez does not single out any oneparticular assignment over another. All of his experiences havehelped him to get where he is now.

“The assignment is not for the person, it is for the personto give back to the organization,” he explains.

Throughout his career, Martinez has always been mindfulfrom where he has come, and where he is going and he planson taking the 50th BCT along with him.

“We face many challenges, but we will succeed, as longas we stay focused, stay true to ourselves, follow the ArmyValues, live by the Warrior’s Ethos and work with a sense ofpurpose and urgency.”

Considering what his prospects were as he walked thestreets of Camagüey, Cuba in 1968, it is safe to say that youngJorge never could have imagined the journey he would soonembark upon, the values he would pick up along the way andwhere he would be standing 40 years later.

Who would have thunk it, indeed.

Col. Jorge Martínez (right) receives the 50th Infantry Brigade colors from Brig.Gen. Paul C. Genereux Jr. (center), Commander, 42nd Infantry Division whileCol. Frank S. Caruso Jr. (left) watches.

By Sgt. 1st C

lass Robert Stephenson, N

JDM

AVA

/PA; photo by Sgt. 1st C

lass Kryn W

esthoven, 444MPA

D

Editor's note: Capt. Jason Fetterolf, 50th Brigade Combat TeamPublic Affairs Officer contributed to this story.

Cuban immigrant living the 'American Dream'

G u a r d l i f e 11

The United States Army is rich in tradition,some going back more than 200 years.

In New Jersey, a new tradition was added tothat immense and historic lineage, with theintroduction of the Command Chief Warrant Of-ficer Change of Authority Ceremony, which tookplace Feb. 10, at Fort Dix.

On that date, newly promoted Chief WarrantOfficer (Five) Randy Niedt took the reins as thenext state Command Chief Warrant Officer fromChief Warrant Officer (Five) Albert G. Curving.

Creating Tradition

One of the duties and responsibilities of theCommand Chief Warrant Officer is upholdingmilitary customs and traditions, and to enhancethe professionalism of the warrant officer corps,and the ceremony at Fort Dix accomplished justthat.

While the position of state Command ChiefWarrant Officer has been in the National Guardsince 1996, when Alabama requested that theposition be created, the ceremony which took place onFebruary 10th was unique in that the ceremony itself wasfashioned by Warrant Officer’s Curving and Niedt to include anumber of steps during the ceremony which are symbolic onlyto the Warrant Officer Command.

One of those is the Warrant Officer Charter. The charterused in the ceremony is a symbol of the charging of care of theArmy National Guard Warrant Officer program. The act ofpassing the charter during the ceremony was symbolic of thetransfer of responsibility from the outgoing Command ChiefWarrant Officer, to the incoming Command Chief WarrantOfficer.

The ceremony was videotaped and sent to National GuardBureau where it may be adopted for use throughout the countryas the official Command Chief Warrant Officer ceremony.

After acknowledging the six years of stellar service ofChief Curving, Chief Niedt spoke about the challenges aheadfor the Warrant Officer program.

“The Warrant Officer Corps is changing fluidly, with thetransformation of the Army,” he noted. “It is imperative that westrive for excellence among the corps.”

In addition, Niedt noted that he would be focusing on threeimportant tasks as Command Warrant Officer, includingbeefing up the 50th Brigade Combat Team, developing aWarrant Officer detachment at the 254th Regiment, and tocontinue to develop and implement a Warrant Officer Profes-

sional Development Program to help sustain the WarrantOfficer Corps in New Jersey.

A Rich History

Warrant Officers have served in the Armed Forces of theUnited States since the Revolutionary War. After World WarII, the Corps grew in size and significance as warrant officersmade their mark as technical experts. Warrant Officers in theArmy are brought in with specific levels of technical ability.They refine their technical expertise and develop their leader-ship and management skills through tiered progressive as-signment and education.

While there are many Warrant Officers within the state ofNew Jersey, there is only one Command Chief Warrant Officer.The state Command Chief Warrant Officer is responsible forproposing and executing policies and procedures, and withdirecting the career management of the Warrant Officer Corpsin New Jersey.

By providing particular emphasis on Warrant Officer mo-rale, welfare, discipline, performance, training and recognitionfor achievement and equal opportunity, the Command ChiefWarrant Officer fulfills the responsibility to the army NationalGuard leadership.

With the creation of the Command Chief Warrant OfficerChange of Authority Ceremony, Chief Niedt seems to be off toa good start.

Chief Warrant Officer Randy Niedt (left) accepts the Lineage Box from ChiefWarrant Officer 4 (retired) Kenneth Langer (right) while Chief Warrant Officer AlbertG. Curving (center) stands at attention during the Command Chief Warrant OfficerChange of Authority Ceremony at Fort Dix on Feb. 10.

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SOLDIERS WELCOMED HOMEPhoto by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

Spc. Kesha Stocks (center left) hugs Master Sgt. CynthiaCarlucci (center right), both of the 50th PersonnelServices Battalion, during the singing of God BlessAmerica at the Welcome Home Ceremony held at theNational Guard Armory in Lawrenceville on March 9.

The Ceremony welcomed home the Soldiers from the50th Personnel Services Battalion, 250th Personnel Ser-vices Detachment and the Afghan National Army EmbeddedTraining Team (Task Force Phoenix). The Soldiers success-fully completed year-long deployments to Afghanistan insupport of Operation Enduring Freedom part of the ongoingGlobal War on Terrorism.

The celebration included a visit by New Jersey GovernorJon S. Corzine, and a parade of the Soldiers down EggertCrossing Road. Family, friends, dignitaries and the localcommunity attended the event.

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E

G u a r d l i f e 14

Many of the families of the 117th RSTA(Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Ac-quisition) and 250th Brigade Support Bat-talion watched intently as President GeorgeW. Bush addressed the nation about thewar in Iraq on Jan. 11.

The President’s words “So I’ve committedmore than 20,000 additional American troops toIraq” might have made a few families wonder ifthis would affect planned homecomings justtwo months away.

It was confirmed shortly after the president’sremarks that the 148 New Jersey Soldiers whohad left Camp Shelby, Miss., in March 2006 todeploy to Iraq as part of the BCT would beextended up to 125 days. The Soldiers wouldbe part of the troop surge that would help quellthe sectarian violence that was threatening torip apart Iraq’s fragile democracy.

The importance of the mission did little tocomfort the families. “Their reactions were upand down,” said Tina Bell, president of the Vineland FamilyReadiness Group (FRG). “Some were mad, some were de-pressed, some were angered; it fluctuated because it was soclose to their anticipated coming home.”

Since late September and early October 2005 the familieshad faithfully crossed off days on the calendar looking forwardto when the Soldiers would return in March 2007 to theVineland, Bordentown and West Orange armories.

“You have to start the countdown all over again, we wereright there. Now we're back to square one again,” added Bell,whose husband is Sgt. David A. Bell of C Troop, 117th RSTA.

The day after the President’s address started early formembers of the Army Guard’s Family Programs team. It wasa race to call all the families before they found out through themedia, as the troop extension became the lead story on thelocal TV newscasts later that day.

As Family Assistance Center coordinators quickly dis-seminated the information to loved ones, notification seemedto be bogged down in the shifting sands of Iraq. Soldiers whohad not yet been notified were questioning the validity ofinformation family members were providing via phone calls ande-mails.

“It was an issue for us because we told the families andthen they in turn told their Soldiers and they didn’t know,” saidMarie Durling, Family Programs Specialist. “We were allsurprised that they (the Soldiers) didn’t know.”

That communications breakdown was the hot topic two

days later at a series of town hall style meetings held at thethree armories. Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth said the communi-cations problems regarding the troop extension was beinggiven the highest priority of the Department of the Army and theNational Guard Bureau.

At those meetings Guard senior leaders answered ques-tions on the extension and discussed the services that wouldbe available for the families. The concern for the effect on thespouses, children, parents, siblings and employers washighlighted with Governor Jon S. Corzine's attendance at themeeting in West Orange. Even with the support of the NationalGuard extended family, there are the day-to-day issues thathave to be handled in every household.

“You still have no one there. You can’t walk into the otherroom and say to him that the water heater just exploded all overthe floor. You have to do it yourself,” said Bell.

For the FRG’s at the affected armories the question in theweeks that followed was how to best address possible familyissues and if additional fund raising would be needed. TheWoodbury and Vineland FRG’s are sharing a $5,000 donationfrom the Army and Navy Union, Post 52 of National Park.

“Thank god we have the grants that are available that wecan push to the families. If it is something small like an electricbill we can just write them a check,” added Bell.

Once again these Home Front Heroes are marking off theircalendars.

Army-Navy League commander Jack Dale (left) presents a $5,000 check to theFamily Readiness Group’s of the Woodbury and Vineland Army National Guardrepresented by Tina Bell (center), Vineland FRG President and Tracy Kloss (right),Woodbury FRG president on Feb. 24 in Woodbury.

FRG's absorb Troop surge impactPhoto and story by Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PAPhoto and story by Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA

FRG's absorb Troop surge impact

G u a r d l i f e 15

New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzineand Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, TheAdjutant General, were at Fort DixFeb. 8 to take a tour of the NationalGuard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program,a residential program which offers“at-risk” teenagers a second chanceat life.

After being briefed by the program’sdirector, retired Col. Kenneth J. Prossick,the Governor walked the halls of thefacility, visiting classrooms and chat-ting with cadets and cadre. The visitculminated in a trip to the dining facility,where the Governor and General Riethjoined the cadets for lunch.

Commenting on the program, Gov-ernor Corzine had extremely positiveremarks.

“I’m deeply impressed,” said Corzine.“I’m proud of the kids. It looks like these young people aretrying to make a world for themselves that’s positive, and that’sthe best thing you can ever do.”

The Governor toured the facil-ity as part of his fact-finding tourduring budget season, where thestate government decides whereto invest funding and support.

“We ought to expand this pro-gram, where more young peoplecan get the access to climb thatladder to better opportunities,” com-mented Corzine as he addressedthe cadets. “Anything that we cando in the world of politics andgovernment to help make that hap-pen for more kids, I think, is myresponsibility.”

Established in 1994, theChalleNGe Program offers secondchances to “at risk” youth, ages16-18 that are no longer in school.Funded by more than $1 million per year, the 17 weekresidential program at Fort Dix provides a quasi-military stylestructured environment that includes academics, physicaltraining, life coping skills, responsible citizenship and commu-nity service.

For one recent graduate, the ChalleNGe program offered

Governor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programBy Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA with DMAVA intern Adam Wallace

a number of opportunities.I think back to all the discipline I’ve learned, all the respect

I have for the leadership,” noted cadet Nathanial Terzano ofFranklin who took home the Lead-ership Award. “I can actuallyachieve my high school diploma,and at home I couldn’t do that,because I didn’t have the self-discipline. I learned a lot of goodtrades while in this program, andnow I’m going to apply them inlife.” He also noted the importanceof teamwork, which the ChalleNGeProgram stresses at all levels. “When you succeed, it feelsgood. When everyone is workingtogether and does the right thingand everything goes the right way.The National Guard’s ChalleNGeProgram is a great program." The program’s most recent

graduating class reported that more than 90 percent of thecadets obtained their high school diplomas, 50 percent movedon to college, and 20 percent joined the military.

Parents with “at risk” children between the ages of 16-18can contact the ChalleNGe Program at (800) 997-5587 or atwww.njycp.org.

Governor Jon S. Corzine has lunch with cadets from the New Jersey National Guard's YouthChalleNGe Program at Fort Dix. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.

We ought to expand this pro-gram, where more youngpeople can get the access toclimb that ladder to betteropportunities. Anything thatwe can do in the world ofpolitics and government tohelp make that happen formore kids, I think, is my re-sponsibility.Governor Jon S. Corzine.

Governor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programGovernor visits ChalleNGe programBy Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson, NJDMAVA/PA with DMAVA intern Adam Wallace

Governor Corzine hosted a Super Bowl party at theGovernor’s mansion at Drumthwacket on Feb. 4.

Invited were Soldiers and Airmen of the NewJersey Guard who had been deployed and theirfamily members. "You truly are what makes Americagreat," said Corzine to the Guard Soldiers. "You’repart of an all-volunteer force. Its tough being aGuardsman in today’s National Guard. You’ve allstepped up to the plate; you’ve all done a fabulousjob."

This year's game pitted the Chicago Bearsagainst the house favorite, the Indianapolis Colts.

A large tent was set up on the mansion grounds,and two large-screen TVs were brought in to viewthe game. Food was plentiful, and prizes weregiven out during the game.

"I love these people. They’ve sacrificed forus," said Corzine about his reason for having thegathering with the Guardsmen. "This is not compli-cated; this is about human being to human being.They do a lot for us, and we want to recognizethem."

Super Bowl Sunday with the GovernorPh

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PAD They do a lot for us and we

want to recognize them.Governor Jon S. Corzine.

Super Bowl Sunday with the Governor

Photos (clockwise beginning at the top): Governor JonS. Corzine thanks Guardmembers and their familiesfor their sacrifices. The Governor and two fans lookover a program prior to the start of the game. Bottomright, fans watch as the Colts win the Super Bowl.

They do a lot for us and wewant to recognize them.Governor Jon S. Corzine.

G u a r d l i f e 16

G u a r d l i f e 17

The New Jersey Army andAir National Guard JointChaplains’ Corps is com-prised of nine clergy dedi-cated to the spiritual well-being of our Soldiers, Air-men and their families.

Chaplains are clergy inuniform, and as such, mustmeet the high demands of alluniformed personnel, with oneexception, we are not weap-ons qualified. As non-com-batants, but trained for fieldconditions, we rely upon ourchaplain’s assistants to“watch-our-backs,” literally!

There are two conceptsyour chaplains here in NewJersey have embraced:ecumenism and jointness. First, ecumenism: in mutual re-spect and shared love for God and His creation, we jointogether from all faiths, denominations and traditions, workingtogether for the good of humanity. Your chaplaincy is blessedwith a great mix: seven Protestant ministers of varied denomi-nations, a rabbi and a Catholic priest. No matter what our faithand background happens to be, a chaplain is a chaplain, is achaplain. Together, your chaplains continue to build upon thatwhich unites us, namely, service to the Almighty and ourcountry, with special dedication to the men and women inuniform and their loved ones.

Your Chaplains: dedicated to youBy Chaplain, Col. Alphonse J. Stephenson, State Chaplain

The second concept which strengthens us is jointness.We are proud that for the past two years, your Army and AirGuard chaplains have come to know each other and rely oneach other for mutual support and practical assistance. Thewalls between Army green and Air Force blue have disap-peared, and happily, jointness is working here in New Jersey.

Our newest resource is the CHAPLAINS’ HOTLINE. Bycalling (609) 694-0635, know that your chaplains are only aphone call away.

Chaplains have a HOTLINE too! We call it prayer. Beassured of our prayers for you and your loved ones daily.

Chaplain, Col. Alphonse J. Stephenson (second from left) with his chaplain assistants while ondeployment to Qatar. Photo courtesy Col. Alphonse J. Stephenson.

Infantry Soldier selected asone of ten Heroes of the YearStaff Sgt. Robert A. Dollaway (right) along with his wifeRebecca look at die-cast replica of the National Guard spon-sored NASCAR race car given to the 2nd Battalion, 113thInfantry Soldier for being selected as one of ten “Heroes of theYear” by the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. Rebecca nominatedher husband for his work as the Senior Personnel ServiceSergeant at the Infantry Battalion headquarters in Riverdale.While Dollaway was not the overall winner, the Dollaway’s didattend the Auto Club 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series raceat the California Speedway at Fontana on Feb. 25. Photo byKryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA.

Remember, everyone is a recruiter.Remember, everyone is a recruiter.

G u a r d l i f e 18

News Guard Families Can UseCompiled by the Guardlife Staff

Council Grant ProgramFamily Grants are available to New Jersey Guardmembers who have been mobilized longer than 90-days within a one-year period, and their families mustbe experiencing financial hardship.

Business grants are available to New Jersey Guardmembers who have been mobilized longer than 90-daysalso within a one-year period and were self-employedbusiness owners at the time of being mobilized. Suchgrants are for the purpose of helping sustain the businessduring the service member’s mobilization or helping toresume the business operations following service member’sde-mobilization.

For more information on grant criteria or to apply for agrant contact a Family Assistance Center or the FamilyReadiness Groups nearest you.

PDHRA/Battlemind Online InstructionsNote: completing both of these surveys is mandatory forreturning Soldiers.

To complete your Post-Deployment Health Reassess-ment (PDHRA) online you must log into your AKO account andunder “My Soldier Data”, click on “My Medical ReadinessStatus is…(more)”. In the first box, under “Deployment HealthAssessments”, click on the link at the end of the paragraph“Deployment Health Assessments”.

Click on DD-2900; click on “Start New Survey”. After yousubmit the survey, you must speak to a provider by calling thePDHRA Call Center at 1-888-734-7299. Your PDHRA is notcomplete until you speak to a provider.

To complete your Battlemind Briefing online: Log into yourAKO account; under “My Soldier Data”, click on “My MedicalReadiness Status is…(more)”. In the fourth box under “PDHRABattlemind II”, click on either the Powerpoint or the videoversion of the briefing.

If you cannot log into AKO or do not have access to theinternet, then you must call the PDHRA Call Center directly at1-888-PDHRA-99 (1-888-734-7299). The staff will assist youin completing the entire DD-2900 over the phone and will thenimmediately conduct the PDHRA screening interview.

Bill extends education eligibilityGovernor Jon. S. Corzine signed a bill which extendseligibility for higher education tuition assistance toNew Jersey Guard members and increases the numberof tuition-free credits available to Guard members andtheir dependents on Jan. 24.

The legislation allows Guard members called ontoactive duty to utilize state tuition assistance credits aftertheir enlistment expires, or should they be medicallydischarged, prior to completing their studies. This billextends eligibility for this higher education tuition benefit toNew Jersey Guard members whose use of the free tuitionbenefit is interrupted by a deployment to active duty.

The new law also increases the number of creditseligible for funding from 15 to 16 per semester.

Programs for returning veteransHelmets to Hardhats is a national program that connectsGuard members with career training and employment oppor-tunities within the construction industry. The program isadministered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assess-ment, and Veterans Employment.

Eligibility varies but in most cases, you must be at least18 years of age, have an honorable discharge, a high schooldiploma or equivalent, pass a drug test, conduct an interviewand be physically fit to perform work.

For more information logon to: www.helmetstohardhats.org/Troops to Teachers is designed to assist military personnelin pursuing a second career in public education (elementary,secondary or vocational). This program provides certificationassistance, job placement assistance and may be able toprovide financial assistance to assist with certification costs.Spouses are also eligible.

For more information contact Melissa Fantozzi, ProgramCoordinator at 1.800.680.0884 or by email at tttnj@doe.state.nj.us. For information on the State program go towww.nj.gov/njded/tttnj/ or the Department of Education websiteat: www.proudtoserveagain.com/

Announcing

The 1st Annual NJNGPhoto Competition

Winners get published in the November 2007 issue ofGuardlife.

Open to all active members of the New Jersey National Guard.

Categories:- Guard Activities (deployments, drills, ATs, events and state active duty)- Portraits- Still lifes- Landscapes- Humor

Each category has 1-3 places and two honorable mentions

All images must have been taken after January 1, 2006

Photos can be either digital or film

If film, original negatives need to be supplied if your

photo is chosen.

If digital, a copy of the original file needs to be supplied.

Submit digital entries via email to:

pao@njdmava.state.nj.us

All other entries should be mailed to:

Public Affairs Office

Attn: Photo Competition

101 Eggert Crossing Rd.

Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648

Judges reserve the right not to award in categories.

Members of the Guardlife staff, 444th MPAD,108th ARW and 177th FW PA and VI staffs areexcluded from the competition.

Deadline: October 1, 2007Deadline: October 1, 2007All images must have been taken after January 1, 2006

Photos can be either digital or film

If film, original negatives need to be supplied if your

photo is chosen.

If digital, a copy of the original file needs to be supplied.

Submit digital entries via email to:

pao@njdmava.state.nj.us

All other entries should be mailed to:

Public Affairs Office

Attn: Photo Competition

101 Eggert Crossing Rd.

Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648

Judges reserve the right not to award in categories.

Announcing

The 1st Annual NJNGPhoto Competition

Winners get published in the November 2007 issue ofGuardlife.

Open to all active members of the New Jersey National Guard.

Categories:- Guard Activities (deployments, drills, ATs, events and state active duty)- Portraits- Still lifes- Landscapes- Humor

Each category has 1-3 places and two honorable mentions

G u a r d l i f e 19

SHORT ROUNDS

RSTA, AIRMEN RETURN, NEW STOREFRONT, RECORD BANNER, NE

G u a r d l i f e 20

World’s longest bannerThe world’s longest holiday greeting banner, dedicated to the menand women serving in Iraq, was unveiled at Crockett MiddleSchool, Hamilton, on Dec. 15. Lt. Col. James Stenson (right) alongwith more than 850 students, New Jersey Army and Air NationalGuard members, local veteran organization members and electedofficials were on hand for the event. The banner measures 990feet long, weighs 500 pounds and was signed by more than 50,000people. Surveyors determined that the banner, which stretchesnearly three football fields in length, had earned its place in theGuiness Book of World Records. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen,NJDMAVA/PA.

Never let goStaff Sgt. Jason Scalzi, 177th Fighter Wing Security Forces, hugshis wife Damaris and daughter Rachel after serving a six monthtour at Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq on March 13. The 13-member team were assigned to the Quick Reaction Forces - amobile response team designed to all points on base and outsidethe wire. The team was responsible for everything from unexplodedordnance sweeps to serving as security details for visiting digni-taries. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.

On the lookoutTwo members of the New Jersey National Guard RecruitingCommand scan the streets looking for new applicants at thenewest store front recruiting center to open in New Jersey. Theoffice, which had its grand opening on Feb. 22, is located at 80Ward Street in Paterson. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class RobertStephenson, NJDMAVA/PA.

Keeping an eye on thingsCavalry Scout Sgt. Chealoo Mastroddi, C Troop, 5th Squadron,117th Cavalry, surveys the area outside the wire at an entry controlpoint at Logistics Support Area (LSA) Anaconda, Iraq. The unit justrecently passed the one year milestone, which in the words of 1stSgt. Michael V. Rigby makes them "The old dogs on the block."Anaconda is one of the largest American military bases in Iraq.Photo courtesy 5-117 Cavalry.

ER, NEW COMMANDERS AND CHANGE OF AUTHORITY CEREMONY

G u a r d l i f e 21

Hayes to command InfantryCol. Jorge J. Martinez, 50th Brigade Combat Team commander,center right, passes the colors of the 2nd Battalion,113th Infantryto incoming commander Lt. Col. James A. Hayes. BattalionCommand Sgt. Maj. Thomas Clark, left, stands ready to receivethe colors at the Change of Command ceremony held at Sea Girton Feb. 11, while Lt. Col. Nicholas Chimienti, right, watches theflags pass signaling the end to his 18-months as the battalioncommander. Photo by Kryn P. Westhoven, DMAVA/PA.

New Troop Command(er)Under the watchful eyes of outgoing commander Col. JohnDiNapoli (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Marshall Jr.(right) Brig. Gen. Charles A. Harvey Jr., (second from left) pre-sents incoming commander Col. Kevin C. Hegarty with the 57thTroop Command colors during the Change of Command cer-emony at the National Guard Armory in Atlantic City on March 4.Photo by Maj. Carl Palmer, NJ-JFHQ-PA.

254th gets new leaderCol. James T. Corrigan (left) accepts the 254th Regiment (Com-bat Arms) guidon from Brig. Gen. Charles A. Harvey Jr. (right)during a Change of Command ceremony at the Sea Girt armoryMarch 3. Relinquishing command of the 254th was Col. Frank W.Dulfer. Photo by Sgt. Shawn Morris, 444MPAD.

108th gets new Command ChiefIn a Change of Authority ceremony on March 17, Command ChiefMaster Sgt. Joseph Ortu passes the 108th Air Refueling Wingcolors back to Wing Commander Col. Michael L. Cunniff whileincoming Command Chief Master Sgt. Vincent P. Morton watches.Morton, formerly with Security Forces, is the first African-AmericanCommand Chief Master Sergeant in the history of the New JerseyAir National Guard. Ortu served the Wing as Command Chief from2002-2007. Photo by Master Sgt. Ray Knox, 108ARW/CF.

New Jersey National Guar

G u a r d l i f e 22

Jeffrey J. KennedyMatthew M. Kline

Donald W. LantermanJr.

Jose L. MalaveCarl W. OliverRobert R. PeerJason E. PetryFranklin E. Pinili

David C. PittLuis G. RodriguezJohn M. Roldan-

AlvarezJulian A. SanchezHuascar A. SimeJaime P. Simon

David W. ThurstonToby Tirrito

Israel Vega Jr.Eric J. Zucker

To Sergeant (E-5):Derric BartholomewJason W. Boothe

Scott E. BoyleJose A. CastroKarl E. CheneyAdam R. Clark

Javier D. ColquicochaKevin M. Dean

Robert E. FernandezPhillip C. Fitzpatrick

Neal T. GibsonEdison F. GuerreroRobert J. Krimmel

Richard LeonAlexander Lopez-

ArenasDaniel P. Montgomery

NEW JERSEYARMY NATIONAL

GUARD

To First Sergeant(E-8):

David F. MooreRichard D. Vanwhy

To Master Sergeant(E-8):

Joseph DicolaMichael A. Steck Jr.

To Sergeant FirstClass (E-7):

Marco A. ChavezCarl B. File Sr.

Jose M. Fuentes-SotoKeron P. Johnson

Samuel JonesEliezer A. Viera

To Staff Sergeant(E-6):

Boris AriasSteven R. Clark

Daemion A. ClarkeJuan R. Cuello

Wilfredo DehoyosWilliam E. Edmeads

Jr.William J. Eisele III

Ryan M. EnglishChristina D. ErmiFred A. Giberson

Joseph A. GonzalezRobert J. Hladik

Benjamin L. MoodyPeter J. O’Brien Jr.Patrick W. PastoreNicole M. Pierce

Erick F. RodriguezRichard J. Rodriguez

Jason M. RyanJason J. Silk

Bayan W. StevensJoseph S. Thorpe

To Specialist (E-4):Monika C. Buechner

John A. DavisonBryam Elie

Bruno M. FigarolaMichael A. GonzalezTimothy J. Jardinico

Oscar A. LlerenaClaudius C. MairsDavid A. Malave

Rosalie MartinsenChristopher M. MauteSamantha C. NigroSarah A. NothdurftPedro L. RodriguezMichael J. SheltonFrank E. Suydam

Glenn R. Sweeten Jr.Nicholas G. Vannicola

Anthony VieraWilliam S. Woll Jr.

Joey C. H. YehJared J. Yoon

To Private FirstClass (E-3):

Adam P. ButterfieldAndrew J. Clayton

Brian J. CostiganKelvin Cruz

Jeffrey S. HancavizPercy A. Llerena

Onel PaganDenisse R. Rodriguez

Eric G. Schreier

To Private (E-2):Jorge F. Bodden

Ryan L. DavenportAlexander J. Dejesus

James J. DianaMatthew T. Gambale

Starr R. GardnerRyan W. GriffithSamuel I. GuerraAshanti W. Jones

Manuel Larranaga Jr.Gerald A. Macfarlan

Jr.Kenneth J. Moore II

Desire MoralesJames E. NelsonDonald M. NowellDawn J. PasqualeDavid A. Pinero Jr.

Jeffrey A. PronovichChristopher J. RoigFrank D. RosabalDennis A. S.RyanMichael P. SantosJason S.SchrieverStefanie M. ScullySachika L. SotoRajen J. Spicer

James J. B. StanlyKenneth S. Tisch

Eric E. Torres

Guard Enlisted Promotions

G u a r d l i f e 23

Family Assistance Centers108th Air Refueling Wing

3327 Charles Blvd.McGuire AFB, NJ 08641

POC: Laura Forrestlaura.forrest@njmcgu.ang.af.mil

Jersey City Armory678 Montgomery Street

Jersey City, NJ 07306-2208POC: Janis Shaw

janis.m.shaw@us.army.milLawrenceville Armory

151 Eggert Crossing RoadLawrenceville, NJ 08648-2897

POC: Jane Hackbarthjane.hackbarth@nj.ngb.army.mil

Morristown Armory430 Jockey Hollow Road

Morristown, NJ 07960-0499POC: Sheilah KelleySjk3care@aol.com

Pomona NJNG FAC400 Langley Road

Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234POC (Air): Joan Searfoss

joan.searfoss@njatla.ang.af.milPOC (Army): Michael Hughes

michael.hughes@njatla.ang.af.milSomerset Armory

1060 Hamilton StreetSomerset, NJ 08873

POC: John Halesjohn.hales@nj.ngb.army.mil

Teaneck ArmoryTeaneck & Liberty RoadsTeaneck NJ 07666-0687POC: SSG Joe Collery

joe.collery@us.army.milToms River Armory

1200 Whitesville RoadToms River, NJ 08753

POC: Maria Morromaria.morro@nj.ngb.army.mil

Woodbury Armory658 North Evergreen Avenue

Woodbury, NJ 08096POC: Michele Daisey

michele.daisey1@us.army.mil

Our Toll Free Number1-888-859-0352 Reaches AllFamily Assistance Centers

Dwan A. Wilson

NEW JERSEY AIRNATIONAL GUARD

To Chief MasterSergeant (E-9):Ariano Collazo

To Senior MasterSergeant (E-8):

John A. EarlyBonnie L. Gaskell

To Master Sergeant(E-7):

Michael A. BlueJohn A. Bunce

Denise C. GreenDavid R. Heulitt

Thomas S. PrussValentino Lopez Jr.

Christopher D.Schmidt

To TechnicalSergeant (E-6):Katie L. Baker

Dean B. BurlewKenneth R.

Challender II

Bruno A. EgiziJuan F. Lubrani

Michael McaleaveyCindy L. Mcnally

Rodney B. MorganFrancis A. Spence

Brian R. Tunis

To Staff Sergeant(E-5):

Amanda AlvarezOmar HernandezJamie V. KendallStephen G. Lee

Sebastian MizgalaAlison J. Mortensen

Michael F. SearsJoseph G. Tabor

Paul J. Woodring III

To Senior Airman(E-4):

Carolina Gutierrez-Cubillos

To Airman FirstClass (E-3):

Jason A. AdairScott B. BulmerKyle R. Decker

Patrick B. DegraziaBrandon P. Foster

Thomas M. FouldsDavid J. Heitman

Andrea M. LiverpoolBarbara C. Louisael

Skylar M. MarineVictoria E. Montes

Andrew M. NechetskyDaryl J. PadulaYing J. Pang

Jeffrey K. PharoChristopher E. SmithChristian M. Thomas

Angela E. TolliverWilliam J. Welsh III

To Airman Basic(E-2):

Tatiana CabarcasDemetrius Reyes

CongratulationsTo All!

Compiled byMaster Sgt.

Daniel J. Calderale(Army)

and Master Sgt.Paul B. Thompson,

Jr. (Air).

State of New JerseyDepartment of Military and Veterans AffairsPO Box 340Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0340

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PaidPermit No. 514PALATINE, IL

LAST ROUND - HI MOM, WELCOME HOMEPhoto and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

Sgt. 1st Class Keron Johnson (center), 250th PersonnelServices Detachment, New Jersey Army National Guard,with daughters Sapphira (left, age 12, left and Mikayla(right), age 15. The 250th, along with the 50th Personnel

Services Battalion returned to New Jersey from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan in support of OperationEnduring Freedom. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen,NJDMAVA/PA.

Photo and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA

LAST ROUND - HI MOM, WELCOME HOME